Whole Life Fitness

Bringing people together is the goal of one South Walton family who are dedicating their energies to sports, socializing, and celebrations with two new businesses: Whole Life Fitness Sports & Social League and The Bellamy of Thirty A.

Brooke Brannon and her mother, Catherine Brannon, started WLF with the guiding motto: “Fit Mind. Fit Body. Fit In.” and it is this philosophy that guides the development, actions, and activities of the organization. Seeing a need for more sports and social activities in the area, the two created the organization is intended to provide fitness for the entire family. Founded in 2014, WLF has expanded its outreach beyond individual clients to the entire community by forming partnerships with other businesses and supporting non-profit causes.

Swimming lessons are held at Watersound Origins, Tops’l Beach & Racquet Club, Forrest Lakes and through private lessons at residential pools.Partnering with South Walton Fire Department, WLF offers Junior Lifeguard training. Catherine, a nurse and swim instructor with more than 25 years of experience, heads the water sports arm of the business. Brooke said many of the swimming students are children of adult league sports participants.

WLF offers adult league play in kickball, flag football, volleyball, and bowling. Kickball, which is in full swing now, has grown from only six teams to 20 and more are welcome. Brooke’s fiancé, Chris Wheeler, an Atlanta transplant, met Brooke, who had moved back home from Austin, as a participant in kickball league play. Brooke said being young and looking to build a social life while staying physically active motivated the creation of WLF. She and Chris, like others involved in the program, enjoy the social aspect of getting together with friends as much as playing competitively.

The two will wed Dec. 31, 2017 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church. The reception will be held at their new business venture, The Bellamy of Thirty A. Formerly Grecian Gardens restaurant, The Bellamy (named after Brooke’s 3-year-old niece) offers full celebration services weddings and private parties.

The Bellamy came about as an extension of wanting to help those who are linked socially to celebrate landmark occasions in their lives with friends and family in a unique, beautiful setting. Opened on Jan. 1 of this year, the venue served as a location for the 30A Songwriters Festival, offering live music and refreshments to visitors. WLF also sponsored a student-faculty competition and hosted the SWHS cheerleaders in holding a fundraiser for their trip to New York.

Its primary focus is weddings to remember. Tiffani Salinas is partner and wedding professional for The Bellamy and Sunset Bay Café provides catering services. Through a partnership with Resort Quest, parties making use of The Bellamy can book lodging through Resort Quest. The majestic building provides a bridal suite for dressing prior to the ceremony, the grounds where nuptials take place and attractively accented by Grecian pillars, and a private beach is approximately one mile from The Bellamy on Draper Lake.

When Brooke graduated from Niceville High School in 2004, she was selected “Most Spirited” of her class. According to Chris, that quality continues through the drive she applies to involving the two businesses in supporting local events. The Santa Pub Crawl to benefit Suicide Prevention is a cause they are already supporting and about which they feel passionately. Presently, a portion of every membership goes to the American Society for Suicide Prevention.

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